“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;”>I recently enjoyed a conversation with a dear friend who lives in Texas. She is a woman of wisdom and has always given me sage advice. During this conversation we traded stories about our different family gatherings. My friend was able to travel to her family gathering in Arkansas. Many friends and family had gathered there and the time spent talking and laughing was a blessing to her, but one thing troubled her: the food.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Turkey
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>and ham and all the fixings. She said there was so much food it made her ill to look at it. I was a little surprised to hear her say such a thing, but as she continued I learned the reasoning for her strong reaction.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Once they were done eating, there would be doggie bags made and loads of leftovers to fill more than one refrigerator. After a few days, most of this food would finds itself in the garbage. With so many people experiencing financial distress, homelessness, joblessness and hunger, she felt that this was so wasteful.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Later that evening, I spoke with one of my sisters who had a similar experience at our family gathering. She didn’t want any of the leftovers at her house due to health concerns. Yet there was more than enough food for everyone to take home as leftovers.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>In my apartment community I have noticed more notices going up on doors. When I moved into my apartment six months ago, all the apartments were filled. Today, there are only three families in a building that can house up to eight. All around us we can see people in need.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>John 3: 16, tells us that God sent Jesus, his only begotten son, to die for the sins of the world. What a bountiful gift that we can enjoy! God loved us so much that he did this just for us. He gave us his very best. God has plans for us that stretch all the way into eternity. This plan is greater than any future we could imagine or plan for.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>God gave his love, and He wants and expects us to share it with others. The witness of our salvation is not only how we live our lives but, how we spread the Good News of Jesus. We need to be effective in our witness. There are souls out there who will never hear the Word of God, but they will see the Word in action in you. I know of a man who would pay for baskets of groceries for random people never expecting a thank you or anything in return, but that they would come to know Jesus.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>In a world of misappropriated funds, massive layoffs and starvation, random acts of kindness and a word of inspiration will begin to restore those who are in need of restoration. Random acts of kindness are the will of God and are a blessing to the receiver and the giver. “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;”>Â
